Aflion Blush vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Aflion Blush and the KTT Pine. The Blush switch by Aflion is renowned for its impressive smoothness and snappy typing experience. Its longer, two-stage spring contributes to this smoothness, resulting in a full and satisfying feel when typing. Additionally, the Blush switch offers a poppy sound signature, adding a touch of uniqueness to the typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine Linear Switches are known for their medium-heavy weight and buttery smoothness. Designed with effortless typing in mind, these switches are polished and factory-lubed to minimize friction and ensure smooth key travel. While the Blush switch is characterized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Buttery', the Pine switch boasts a 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched' sound profile. Each switch has its own distinct qualities, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the KTT Pine both have polycarbonate top housings, which means they will both produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches are ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency allows for better illumination. In terms of aesthetics and sound, these two switches will provide similar results when it comes to the top housing.
However, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Blush features a nylon bottom housing, which will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which means it will contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Therefore, the Blush and the Pine will have contrasting sound profiles due to their different bottom housing materials.
Overall, while the top housings of the Aflion Blush and the KTT Pine are made of the same material and will produce similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics, their bottom housing materials differ significantly. The Blush's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in bottom housing materials will affect the overall sound profile of the switches, depending on whether you're pressing down or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The actuation force of the Blush is unavailable, whereas the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Pine switch would be the better choice, as it has a lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for easier triggering of keystrokes, making it ideal for those who type for longer periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel and a stronger push, the Blush switch would be more suitable.
In terms of bottoming out, both switches have the same force requirement of 58 grams. This means that while the actuation force may differ, the typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be similar for both switches.
Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush and KTT Pine linear switches offer different options for users based on their preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the KTT Pine switch is the longer one. The difference of 0.7 mm may seem slight, but it can make a difference in the feel and responsiveness of the switch. The Blush's 3.3 mm travel distance falls into the shorter end of the spectrum, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Pine's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prefers a shorter, more responsive experience or a longer, more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush for $4.07.
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch is best described as having a low-pitched sound. This means that it provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as bassy and low-pitched as well, offering a deeper and richer sound profile similar to bass tones. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Nevertheless, both switches share similar sound characteristics, providing a satisfying auditory experience.
In terms of feel, both the Blush and Pine switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Blush is known for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy type feel, attributed to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole. The switch glides effortlessly under the fingers, providing a creamy and silky sensation when typing. Similarly, the Pine switches are medium-heavy, buttery smooth, and built for an effortless typing experience. With a polished and factory-lubricated finish, these switches minimize friction, allowing for smooth key travel. Both switches offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, making them highly desirable options for keyboard enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush and KTT Pine linear switches share several subjective qualities. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, with the Blush having a low-pitched sound signature and the Pine providing a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches offer a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, ensuring smooth and effortless keystrokes. These switches are perfect for those seeking a smooth typing experience with a pleasing sound profile. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup, including the board and keycaps used, as they can influence the subjective qualities of the switches. Overall, whether you choose the Blush or Pine switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, making either option a fantastic choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who values a full, snappy, and smooth typing experience with a poppy sound signature, then the Aflion Blush linear switch might be the right choice for you. With its longer, two-stage spring and long pole, it offers an impressively smooth feel and a unique sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that provides an effortless typing experience with minimal friction, then the KTT Pine linear switch would be a great option. With its polished, factory-lubed finish, the Pine switch ensures smooth key travel and a buttery smooth feel. Furthermore, both switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, with the Blush switch having a slightly mellow tone and the Pine switch offering a richer, deeper sound resembling bass tones. Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound.
Mentioned in this article
